No single shooters?

call2arms said:
On the weekend I was in Wild West and overheard that no single shooters are permitted. Is this true? Why?
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That doesnt sound right, unless they have changed things since I was there last. If you aren't a trusted member, they likely will supervise you but thats about it.
 
probably because alot of rental ranges do this so people dont rent a gun then commit suicide...
 
Dosing said:
probably because alot of rental ranges do this so people dont rent a gun then commit suicide...
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The Wild West policy is the same as the rest of us commercial facilities:

The policy is... no single unlicensed shooters.

If you have a license, you can just go get your own gun.... we couldn't stop you....

But since all of the Alberta ranges instituted this policy, our issues with mental illness has dropped.

JR
 
Dosing said:
probably because alot of rental ranges do this so people dont rent a gun then commit suicide...
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That's exactly the reason. It also has the side-benefit of promoting the sport when you get groups of two or more showing up, win/win. I guess the theory is that very few people will do themselves in when accompanied by a friend. Usually though, the rules state something to the effect of "No unaccompanied unlicensed shooters" considering that a licensed shooter would probably have their own firearm and would not have to go to a range for such a purpose. They've been vetted so don't require nearly as much in the way of supervision. Having been at a range myself when a 'rental suicide' happened I can't imagine how unnecessarily traumatizing it would be on the staff and other patrons (I was within 30' or so but didn't see anything aside from the rapid staff response due to being in the retail area).
 
Huh. Never would have thought that was a rule out here. How many incidents or near misses occurred on rental ranges that stemmed from mental illness in Canada to have this policy started? Or was this a reaction to insurance risks, or public pressure?

Quite curious about this, as it seems it could discourage many from trying the sport if they had no friends to introduce them or come try with them.
 
Kevin M. said:
Huh. Never would have thought that was a rule out here. How many incidents or near misses occurred on rental ranges that stemmed from mental illness in Canada to have this policy started? Or was this a reaction to insurance risks, or public pressure?

Quite curious about this, as it seems it could discourage many from trying the sport if they had no friends to introduce them or come try with them.
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The rental ranges were operating just fine for a number of years, then TSE and Wild West (and perhaps others, those are just the two that first come to my mind) had 2 suicides/attempts, each in quick succession. Just like the school shootings, it seemed once the news hit about the first, range suicides were on a trajectory to increase on an exponential level, based on the number of years of trouble free operation, followed by very little time between subsequent events. The policy has very cleanly nipped this problem in the bud.

It demonstrates, in my mind, the power of the news to generate copycatters, except thankfully for these range suicides, unlike school shootings, there was a very effective and simple solution. It's a large part of why I cannot stand our left wing media going on and on about shootings when they happen, as I believe they then hold a lot of culpability for encouraging repetition.

But yes, in short, to answer your question, there was a problem, but our community has addressed it. TSE has suicide info/help brochures on site as well.

As a former employed range officer, my heart goes out to all of the range officers on shift during any of the suicides or attempts. It would be a horrible thing to witness or to have to intervene and thwart.
 
I think they mean no “solo” unlicensed shooters. Bring a friend, your coworker, your gf, wife (not at same time as the gf), kids etc.

Ie. People that know you, as studies suggest that people are less likely to commit suicide than if they are alone with strangers.
 
GeoTrekr said:
The rental ranges were operating just fine for a number of years, then TSE and Wild West (and perhaps others, those are just the two that first come to my mind) had 2 suicides/attempts, each in quick succession. Just like the school shootings, it seemed once the news hit about the first, range suicides were on a trajectory to increase on an exponential level, based on the number of years of trouble free operation, followed by very little time between subsequent events. The policy has very cleanly nipped this problem in the bud.

It demonstrates, in my mind, the power of the news to generate copycatters, except thankfully for these range suicides, unlike school shootings, there was a very effective and simple solution. It's a large part of why I cannot stand our left wing media going on and on about shootings when they happen, as I believe they then hold a lot of culpability for encouraging repetition.

But yes, in short, to answer your question, there was a problem, but our community has addressed it. TSE has suicide info/help brochures on site as well.

As a former employed range officer, my heart goes out to all of the range officers on shift during any of the suicides or attempts. It would be a horrible thing to witness or to have to intervene and thwart.
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Fair enough. I still think it is a heavy handed application, but I understand where they are coming from.

Hanzo said:
I think they mean no “solo” unlicensed shooters. Bring a friend, your coworker, your gf, wife (not at same time as the gf), kids etc.

Ie. People that know you, as studies suggest that people are less likely to commit suicide than if they are alone with strangers.
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Honestly, bringing your wife and girlfriend at the same time should have the range cover your costs hahaha.
 
call2arms said:
On the weekend I was in Wild West and overheard that no single shooters are permitted. Is this true? Why?
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Unfortunately this is true, we can no longer allow single shooters access to the range. If you are accompanied by someone that isn't shooting, that is fine.

This policy has been implemented by most commercial ranges recently.

We regret to that we had to make this policy change as of last week due to the requirement of our insurance carrier, as they insure other ranges also in Alberta.

Sorry for the inconvenience that this may cause.

Wild West Shooting centre
 
I have been a member of various ranges that allow gun rentals and non-licensed shooters for over 25 years.

And have seen various stupidity, and suicide attempts over the years, actually witnessed a suicide at an indoor range. You don’t ever want to see that.

As a past RO you have to keep on your toes and keep an eye on everyone, but I have learned as a member having a day out shooting you still have to be on your guard also.


The economy isn’t great right now, and this time of the year doesn’t help either. Mental illness is everywhere, and you can always kind of spot the suspicious new shooters, can be nerves sometimes also. Things can happened in seconds.

If you notice, media doesn’t like to publicize suicides, especially at ranges, for fear of copycats or giving people ideas.
 
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